Civil Society OrganiZation, ActionAid Nigeria, AAN, have raised concerns about the spike in criminal activities, ranging from armed banditry, abductions and killings, especially in the northern and central parts of the country.
The group who described the trend of insecurity in the country as alarming in a statement signed by its Country Director, Ene Obi on Thursday, said the increasing rate of kidnap-for-ransom in the country could further undermine stakeholders’ efforts at reducing the rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria, particularly, the girl-child.
“Insecurity is still on the rise in Nigeria, with many records of insurgency attacks, kidnapping, armed banditry abductions and killings, with scores of deaths both within the military and civilians, especially in the Northern and central part of the country.
“The rising cases of abduction of school children is (are) alarming and will further disparage stakeholders’ efforts at reducing the rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria, particularly, the girl-child. Schools are now seemingly unsafe for girls and give parents undue justification to force their girl-child into an early marriage,” it said.
The organisation called on state governments to prioritize improved security for children in schools and a quality educational system.
“We also call on security agencies to adopt intelligence, power, and non-financial negotiation to bring back the remaining 112 missing Chibok girls and one Dapchi girl, Leah Shuaibu,” the statement added.
